1
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Agyemang E, Gonneville AN, Tiruvadi-Krishnan S, Lamichhane R. Exploring GPCR conformational dynamics using single-molecule fluorescence. Methods 2024; 226:35-48. [PMID: 38604413 PMCID: PMC11098685 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2024.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane proteins that transmit specific external stimuli into cells by changing their conformation. This conformational change allows them to couple and activate G-proteins to initiate signal transduction. A critical challenge in studying and inferring these structural dynamics arises from the complexity of the cellular environment, including the presence of various endogenous factors. Due to the recent advances in cell-expression systems, membrane-protein purification techniques, and labeling approaches, it is now possible to study the structural dynamics of GPCRs at a single-molecule level both in vitro and in live cells. In this review, we discuss state-of-the-art techniques and strategies for expressing, purifying, and labeling GPCRs in the context of single-molecule research. We also highlight four recent studies that demonstrate the applications of single-molecule microscopy in revealing the dynamics of GPCRs. These techniques are also useful as complementary methods to verify the results obtained from other structural biology tools like cryo-electron microscopy and x-ray crystallography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Agyemang
- UT-ORNL Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Alyssa N Gonneville
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Sriram Tiruvadi-Krishnan
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Rajan Lamichhane
- UT-ORNL Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
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2
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Ayub H, Murray RJ, Kuyler GC, Napier-Khwaja F, Gunner J, Dafforn TR, Klumperman B, Poyner DR, Wheatley M. GPCRs in the round: SMA-like copolymers and SMALPs as a platform for investigating GPCRs. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 754:109946. [PMID: 38395122 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of membrane proteins, regulate a plethora of physiological responses and are the therapeutic target for 30-40% of clinically-prescribed drugs. They are integral membrane proteins deeply embedded in the plasma membrane where they activate intracellular signalling via coupling to G-proteins and β-arrestin. GPCRs are in intimate association with the bilayer lipids and that lipid environment regulates the signalling functions of GPCRs. This complex lipid 'landscape' is both heterogeneous and dynamic. GPCR function is modulated by bulk membrane properties including membrane fluidity, microdomains, curvature, thickness and asymmetry but GPCRs are also regulated by specific lipid:GPCR binding, including cholesterol and anionic lipids. Understanding the molecular mechanisms whereby GPCR signalling is regulated by lipids is a very active area of research currently. A major advance in membrane protein research in recent years was the application of poly(styrene-co-maleic acid) (SMA) copolymers. These spontaneously generate SMA lipid particles (SMALPs) encapsulating membrane protein in a nano-scale disc of cell membrane, thereby removing the historical need for detergent and preserving lipid:GPCR interaction. The focus of this review is how GPCR-SMALPs are increasing our understanding of GPCR structure and function at the molecular level. Furthermore, an increasing number of 'second generation' SMA-like copolymers have been reported recently. These are reviewed from the context of increasing our understanding of GPCR molecular mechanisms. Moreover, their potential as a novel platform for downstream biophysical and structural analyses is assessed and looking ahead, the translational application of SMA-like copolymers to GPCR drug discovery programmes in the future is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoor Ayub
- Centre for Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, CV1 2DS, UK.
| | - Rebecca J Murray
- Centre for Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, CV1 2DS, UK; Department of Chemistry and Polymer Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
| | - Gestél C Kuyler
- Centre for Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, CV1 2DS, UK; Department of Chemistry and Polymer Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
| | | | - Joseph Gunner
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
| | - Tim R Dafforn
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Bert Klumperman
- Department of Chemistry and Polymer Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
| | - David R Poyner
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
| | - Mark Wheatley
- Centre for Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, CV1 2DS, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands, UK
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3
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Kuschke S, Thon S, Sattler C, Schwabe T, Benndorf K, Schmauder R. cAMP binding to closed pacemaker ion channels is cooperative. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2315132121. [PMID: 38377199 PMCID: PMC10907242 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2315132121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The cooperative action of the subunits in oligomeric receptors enables fine-tuning of receptor activation, as demonstrated for the regulation of voltage-activated HCN pacemaker ion channels by relating cAMP binding to channel activation in ensemble signals. HCN channels generate electric rhythmicity in specialized brain neurons and cardiomyocytes. There is conflicting evidence on whether binding cooperativity does exist independent of channel activation or not, as recently reported for detergent-solubilized receptors positioned in zero-mode waveguides. Here, we show positive cooperativity in ligand binding to closed HCN2 channels in native cell membranes by following the binding of individual fluorescence-labeled cAMP molecules. Kinetic modeling reveals that the affinity of the still empty binding sites rises with increased degree of occupation and that the transition of the channel to a flip state is promoted accordingly. We conclude that ligand binding to the subunits in closed HCN2 channels not pre-activated by voltage is already cooperative. Hence, cooperativity is not causally linked to channel activation by voltage. Our analysis also shows that single-molecule binding measurements at equilibrium can quantify cooperativity in ligand binding to receptors in native membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kuschke
- Institute of Physiology II, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena07743, Germany
| | - Susanne Thon
- Institute of Physiology II, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena07743, Germany
| | - Christian Sattler
- Institute of Physiology II, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena07743, Germany
| | - Tina Schwabe
- Institute of Physiology II, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena07743, Germany
| | - Klaus Benndorf
- Institute of Physiology II, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena07743, Germany
| | - Ralf Schmauder
- Institute of Physiology II, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena07743, Germany
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4
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Zangi R. Breakdown of Langmuir Adsorption Isotherm in Small Closed Systems. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024. [PMID: 38315174 PMCID: PMC10883037 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
For more than a century, monolayer adsorptions in which adsorbate molecules and adsorbing sites behave ideally have been successfully described by Langmuir's adsorption isotherm. For example, the amount of adsorbed material, as a function of concentration of the material which is not adsorbed, obeys Langmuir's equation. In this paper, we argue that this relation is valid only for macroscopic systems. However, when particle numbers of adsorbate molecules and/or adsorbing sites are small, Langmuir's model fails to describe the chemical equilibrium of the system. This is because the kinetics of forming, or the probability of observing, occupied sites arises from two-body interactions, and as such, ought to include cross-correlations between particle numbers of the adsorbate and adsorbing sites. The effect of these correlations, as reflected by deviations in predicting composition when correlations are ignored, increases with decreasing particle numbers and becomes substantial when only few adsorbate molecules, or adsorbing sites, are present in the system. In addition, any change that augments the fraction of occupied sites at equilibrium (e.g., smaller volume, lower temperature, or stronger adsorption energy) further increases the discrepancy between observed properties of small systems and those predicted by Langmuir's theory. In contrast, for large systems, these cross-correlations become negligible, and therefore when expressing properties involving two-body processes, it is possible to consider independently the concentration of each component. By applying statistical mechanics concepts, we derive a general expression of the equilibrium constant for adsorption. It is also demonstrated that in ensembles in which total numbers of particles are fixed, the magnitudes of fluctuations in particle numbers alone can predict the average chemical composition of the system. Moreover, an alternative adsorption equation, predicting the average fraction of occupied sites from the value of the equilibrium constant, is proposed. All derived relations were tested against results obtained by Monte Carlo simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronen Zangi
- Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Department of Organic Chemistry I, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
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5
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Yuan J, Xu J. Synthesis of Amphiphilic Block Copolymer and Its Application in Pigment-Based Ink. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:330. [PMID: 38255498 PMCID: PMC10821111 DOI: 10.3390/ma17020330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Amphiphilic block copolymers-based aqueous color inks show great potential in the field of visual communication design. However, the conventional step-by-step chemistry employed to synthesize the amphiphilic block copolymers is intricate, with low yield and high economic and environmental costs. In this work, we present a novel method for preparing an amphiphilic AB di-block copolymer of PCL-b-PAA by employing a combined polymerization strategy that involves both cationic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of the ε-caprolactone monomer and the reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization on the acrylic acid monomer simultaneously. The corresponding polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) serve as the hydrophobic and hydrophilic units, respectively. The effectiveness of the amphiphilic AB di-block copolymer as the polymeric pigment dispersant for water-based color inks is evaluated. The amphiphilic AB di-block copolymer of PCL-b-PAA exhibits a molecular weight of 1400 g mol-1, which is consistent with the theoretical value and suitable for polymeric dispersant application. The high surface excess (Γmax) of the PCL-b-PAA in water indicates a densely packed molecular morphology at the water/air interface. Additionally, micelles can be stably formed in the aqueous PCL-b-PAA solution at very low concentrations by demonstrating a low CMC value of 10-4 wt% and a micelle dimension of approximately 30 nm. The model ink dispersion is prepared using organic dyes (Disperse Yellow 232) and the amphiphilic block copolymer of PCL-b-PAA. The dispersion demonstrates near-Newtonian behavior, which is highly favorable for the application as inkjet ink. Furthermore, the ink dispersion displays a low viscosity, making it particularly suitable for visual communication design and printing purposes. Moreover, the ink dispersion demonstrates an unimodal distribution of the particle size, with an average diameter of approximately 500 nm. It retains exceptional stability of dispersion and even conducts a thermal aging treatment at 60 °C for 5 days. This work presents a facile and efficient synthetic strategy and molecular design of AB di-block copolymer-based dispersants for dye dispersions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Yuan
- Department of Art and Design, Taiyuan University, Taiyuan 237016, China
| | - Jinbao Xu
- School of Materials and Energy, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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6
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Fessl T, Majellaro M, Bondar A. Microscopy and spectroscopy approaches to study GPCR structure and function. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 38087925 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The GPCR signalling cascade is a key pathway responsible for the signal transduction of a multitude of physical and chemical stimuli, including light, odorants, neurotransmitters and hormones. Understanding the structural and functional properties of the GPCR cascade requires direct observation of signalling processes in high spatial and temporal resolution, with minimal perturbation to endogenous systems. Optical microscopy and spectroscopy techniques are uniquely suited to this purpose because they excel at multiple spatial and temporal scales and can be used in living objects. Here, we review recent developments in microscopy and spectroscopy technologies which enable new insights into GPCR signalling. We focus on advanced techniques with high spatial and temporal resolution, single-molecule methods, labelling strategies and approaches suitable for endogenous systems and large living objects. This review aims to assist researchers in choosing appropriate microscopy and spectroscopy approaches for a variety of applications in the study of cellular signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Fessl
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Alexey Bondar
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Microscopy and Histology, Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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7
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Thomas B, Chockalingam K, Chen Z. Methods for Engineering Binders to Multi-Pass Membrane Proteins. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1351. [PMID: 38135942 PMCID: PMC10741020 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10121351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous potential drug targets, including G-protein-coupled receptors and ion channel proteins, reside on the cell surface as multi-pass membrane proteins. Unfortunately, despite advances in engineering technologies, engineering biologics against multi-pass membrane proteins remains a formidable task. In this review, we focus on the different methods used to prepare/present multi-pass transmembrane proteins for engineering target-specific biologics such as antibodies, nanobodies and synthetic scaffold proteins. The engineered biologics exhibit high specificity and affinity, and have broad applications as therapeutics, probes for cell staining and chaperones for promoting protein crystallization. We primarily cover publications on this topic from the past 10 years, with a focus on the different formats of multi-pass transmembrane proteins. Finally, the remaining challenges facing this field and new technologies developed to overcome a number of obstacles are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Thomas
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA;
| | - Karuppiah Chockalingam
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA;
| | - Zhilei Chen
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA;
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA;
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8
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Farrelly MD, Zhai J, Tiong AYJ, van 't Hag L, Yu HH, Li J, Martin LL, Thang SH. Membrane interaction and selectivity of novel alternating cationic lipid-nanodisc assembling polymers. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:5955-5969. [PMID: 37477383 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm00477e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic polymer nanodiscs are self-assembled structures formed from amphipathic copolymers encapsulating membrane proteins and surrounding phospholipids into water soluble discs. These nanostructures have served as an analytical tool for the detergent free solubilisation and structural study of membrane proteins (MPs) in their native lipid environment. We established the polymer-lipid nanodisc forming ability of a novel class of amphipathic copolymer comprised of an alternating sequence of N-alkyl functionalised maleimide (AlkylM) of systematically varied hydrocarbon chain length, and cationic N-methyl-4-vinyl pyridinium iodide (MVP). Using a combination of physicochemical techniques, the solubilisation efficiency, size, structure and shape of DMPC lipid containing poly(MVP-co-AlkylM) nanodiscs were determined. Lipid solubilisation increased with AlkylM hydrocarbon chain length from methyl (MM), ethyl (EtM), n-propyl (PM), iso-butyl (IBM) through to n-butyl (BM) maleimide bearing polymers. More hydrophobic derivatives formed smaller sized nanodiscs and lipid ordering within poly(MVP-co-AlkylM) nanodiscs was affected by nanodisc size. In dye-release assays, shorter N-alkyl substituted polymers, particularly poly(MVP-co-EtM), exhibited low activities against eukaryotic mimetic POPC membrane and increased their liposome disruption as POPC : POPG membrane mixtures increased in their anionic POPG component, resembling the charge profile of bacterial membranes. These trends in membrane selectivity were transferred towards native cell systems in which gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Acenobacter baumannii bacterial strains were relatively susceptible to disruption by hydrophobic n-butyl- and n-propyl-poly(MVP-co-AlkylM) derivatives compared to human red blood cells (HRBCs), with a more pronounced selectivity resulting from poly(MVP-co-PM). Such selective membrane interaction by less hydrophobic polymers provides a framework for polymer design towards applications including selective membrane component solubilisation, biosensing and antimicrobial development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiali Zhai
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Alice Y J Tiong
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Leonie van 't Hag
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Heidi H Yu
- Infection Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Jian Li
- Infection Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Lisandra L Martin
- School of Chemistry, Monash University Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - San H Thang
- School of Chemistry, Monash University Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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9
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Probing the binding interactions between perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids and adenosine A2A receptors by spectroscopic techniques, molecular simulations and quantum chemistry. J Mol Liq 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2023.121565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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10
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Stoddart LA, Goulding J, Briddon SJ. Advances in the application of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to study detergent purified and encapsulated membrane proteins. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 146:106210. [PMID: 35390493 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2022.106210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a quantitative spectroscopy technique which could potentially increase throughput and sensitivity of screening for ligand, substrate and inhibitor binding to membrane proteins in solution. However, the purification of membrane proteins in their active forms is complex, as the lipid bilayer provides stability and its removal often causes the protein to become conformationally unstable. This has limited the application of biophysical techniques such as FCS to study the function of membrane proteins. The recent application of native extraction techniques such as styrene maleic acid lipid particles (SMALPs) has resolved this issue and FCS has emerged as a powerful option for studying proteins extracted in this way. This review will discuss the application of FCS to study purified membrane proteins in detergent micelles, nanodiscs and SMALPs and its potential to be used routinely in membrane protein drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh A Stoddart
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, The Midlands, UK
| | - Joëlle Goulding
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, The Midlands, UK
| | - Stephen J Briddon
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, The Midlands, UK.
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11
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Neville GM, Edler KJ, Price GJ. Fluorescent styrene maleic acid copolymers to facilitate membrane protein studies in lipid nanodiscs. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:5689-5693. [PMID: 35315461 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr07230g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescently-labelled variants of poly(styrene-co-maleic acid), SMA, have been synthesised by RAFT copolymerisation. We show that low ratios of vinyl fluorophores, analogous to styrene, can be successfully incorporated during polymerisation without detriment to nanodisc formation upon interaction with lipids. These novel copolymers are capable of encapuslating lipids and the model membrane protein, gramicidin, and hence have the potential to be applied in fluorescence-based biological studies. To demonstrate this, energy transfer is used to probe polymer-protein interactions in nanodiscs. The copolymers may also be used to monitor nanodisc self assembly by exploiting aggregation-caused-quenching (ACQ).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen J Edler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Gareth J Price
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
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12
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Laurence MJ, Carpenter TS, Laurence TA, Coleman MA, Shelby M, Liu C. Biophysical Characterization of Membrane Proteins Embedded in Nanodiscs Using Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12040392. [PMID: 35448362 PMCID: PMC9028781 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12040392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Proteins embedded in biological membranes perform essential functions in all organisms, serving as receptors, transporters, channels, cell adhesion molecules, and other supporting cellular roles. These membrane proteins comprise ~30% of all human proteins and are the targets of ~60% of FDA-approved drugs, yet their extensive characterization using established biochemical and biophysical methods has continued to be elusive due to challenges associated with the purification of these insoluble proteins. In response, the development of nanodisc techniques, such as nanolipoprotein particles (NLPs) and styrene maleic acid polymers (SMALPs), allowed membrane proteins to be expressed and isolated in solution as part of lipid bilayer rafts with defined, consistent nanometer sizes and compositions, thus enabling solution-based measurements. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a relatively simple yet powerful optical microscopy-based technique that yields quantitative biophysical information, such as diffusion kinetics and concentrations, about individual or interacting species in solution. Here, we first summarize current nanodisc techniques and FCS fundamentals. We then provide a focused review of studies that employed FCS in combination with nanodisc technology to investigate a handful of membrane proteins, including bacteriorhodopsin, bacterial division protein ZipA, bacterial membrane insertases SecYEG and YidC, Yersinia pestis type III secretion protein YopB, yeast cell wall stress sensor Wsc1, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), ABC transporters, and several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Laurence
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA; (M.J.L.); (T.S.C.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Timothy S. Carpenter
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA; (M.J.L.); (T.S.C.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Ted A. Laurence
- Materials Science Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA;
| | - Matthew A. Coleman
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA; (M.J.L.); (T.S.C.); (M.A.C.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95616, USA
| | - Megan Shelby
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA; (M.J.L.); (T.S.C.); (M.A.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (C.L.)
| | - Chao Liu
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA; (M.J.L.); (T.S.C.); (M.A.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (C.L.)
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13
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Hall SCL, Tognoloni C, Campbell RA, Richens J, O'Shea P, Terry AE, Price GJ, Dafforn TR, Edler KJ, Arnold T. The interaction of styrene maleic acid copolymers with phospholipids in Langmuir monolayers, vesicles and nanodiscs; a structural study. J Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 625:220-236. [PMID: 35716617 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.03.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Self-assembly of amphipathic styrene maleic acid copolymers with phospholipids in aqueous solution results in the formation of 'nanodiscs' containing a planar segment of phospholipid bilayer encapsulated by a polymer belt. Recently, studies have reported that lipids rapidly exchange between both nanodiscs in solution and external sources of lipids. Outstanding questions remain regarding details of polymer-lipid interactions, factors influencing lipid exchange and structural effects of such exchange processes. Here, the dynamic behaviour of nanodiscs is investigated, specifically the role of membrane charge and polymer chemistry. EXPERIMENTS Two model systems are investigated: fluorescently labelled phospholipid vesicles, and Langmuir monolayers of phospholipids. Using fluorescence spectroscopy and time-resolved neutron reflectometry, the membrane potential, monolayer structure and composition are monitored with respect to time upon polymer and nanodisc interactions. FINDINGS In the presence of external lipids, polymer chains embed throughout lipid membranes, the extent of which is governed by the net membrane charge. Nanodiscs stabilised by three different polymers will all exchange lipids and polymer with monolayers to differing extents, related to the properties of the stabilising polymer belt. These results demonstrate the dynamic nature of nanodiscs which interact with the local environment and are likely to deposit both lipids and polymer at all stages of use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C L Hall
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, UK; Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 ODE, UK; ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0QX, UK.
| | - Cecilia Tognoloni
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Richard A Campbell
- Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble, France; Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Joanna Richens
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Paul O'Shea
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YG, UK
| | - Ann E Terry
- MAX IV Laboratory, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Gareth J Price
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Tim R Dafforn
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Karen J Edler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Thomas Arnold
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0QX, UK; ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0QX, UK; Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK; European Spallation Source ERIC, P.O Box 176, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
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14
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Li Y, Xia C, Zhao H, Xie Y, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Yu Y, Wang J, Qin W. A new photolabeling probe for efficient enrichment and deep profiling of cell surface membrane proteome by mass spectrometry. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.03.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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15
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Conformational trapping of an ABC transporter in polymer lipid nanoparticles. Biochem J 2022; 479:145-159. [PMID: 35050326 PMCID: PMC8883494 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins play important roles in cells as importers and exporters but as membrane proteins they are subject to well-known challenges of isolating pure and stable samples for study. One solution to this problem is to use styrene-maleic acid lipid particles (SMALPs). Styrene-maleic acid (SMA) can be added directly to membranes, forming stable nanoparticles incorporating membrane proteins and lipids. Here we use Sav1866, a well-characterised bacterial protein, as a proxy for ABC proteins in general. We show that stable and monodispersed Sav1866 can be purified at high yield using SMA. This protein can be used for biophysical characterisations showing that its overall structure is consistent with existing evidence. However, like other ABC proteins in SMALPs it does not hydrolyse ATP. The lack of ATPase activity in ABC–SMALPs may result from conformational trapping of the proteins in SMALPs. Undertaken in a controlled manner, conformational trapping is a useful tool to stabilise protein samples into a single conformation for structural studies. Due to their inability to hydrolyse ATP, the conformation of Sav1866–SMALPs cannot be altered using ATP and vanadate after purification. To achieve controlled trapping of Sav1866–SMALPs we show that Sav1866 in crude membranes can be incubated with ATP, magnesium and sodium orthovanadate. Subsequent solubilisation and purification with SMA produces a sample of Sav1866–SMALPs with enhanced stability, and in a single conformational state. This method may be generally applicable to vanadate-sensitive ABC proteins and overcomes a limitation of the SMALP system for the study of this protein family.
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16
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Orekhov PS, Bozdaganyan ME, Voskoboynikova N, Mulkidjanian AY, Karlova MG, Yudenko A, Remeeva A, Ryzhykau YL, Gushchin I, Gordeliy VI, Sokolova OS, Steinhoff HJ, Kirpichnikov MP, Shaitan KV. Mechanisms of Formation, Structure, and Dynamics of Lipoprotein Discs Stabilized by Amphiphilic Copolymers: A Comprehensive Review. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:361. [PMID: 35159706 PMCID: PMC8838559 DOI: 10.3390/nano12030361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Amphiphilic copolymers consisting of alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic units account for a major recent methodical breakthrough in the investigations of membrane proteins. Styrene-maleic acid (SMA), diisobutylene-maleic acid (DIBMA), and related copolymers have been shown to extract membrane proteins directly from lipid membranes without the need for classical detergents. Within the particular experimental setup, they form disc-shaped nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution, which serve as a suitable platform for diverse kinds of spectroscopy and other biophysical techniques that require relatively small, homogeneous, water-soluble particles of separate membrane proteins in their native lipid environment. In recent years, copolymer-encased nanolipoparticles have been proven as suitable protein carriers for various structural biology applications, including cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), small-angle scattering, and conventional and single-molecule X-ray diffraction experiments. Here, we review the current understanding of how such nanolipoparticles are formed and organized at the molecular level with an emphasis on their chemical diversity and factors affecting their size and solubilization efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp S. Orekhov
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.E.B.); (M.G.K.); (O.S.S.); (M.P.K.)
- Faculty of Biology, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen 518172, China
- Institute of Personalized Medicine, Sechenov University, 119146 Moscow, Russia
| | - Marine E. Bozdaganyan
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.E.B.); (M.G.K.); (O.S.S.); (M.P.K.)
- Faculty of Biology, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen 518172, China
- N.N. Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia Voskoboynikova
- Department of Physics, University of Osnabrück, Barbarastrasse 7, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany; (N.V.); (A.Y.M.); (H.-J.S.)
| | - Armen Y. Mulkidjanian
- Department of Physics, University of Osnabrück, Barbarastrasse 7, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany; (N.V.); (A.Y.M.); (H.-J.S.)
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics and Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria G. Karlova
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.E.B.); (M.G.K.); (O.S.S.); (M.P.K.)
| | - Anna Yudenko
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia; (A.Y.); (A.R.); (Y.L.R.); (I.G.); (V.I.G.)
| | - Alina Remeeva
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia; (A.Y.); (A.R.); (Y.L.R.); (I.G.); (V.I.G.)
| | - Yury L. Ryzhykau
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia; (A.Y.); (A.R.); (Y.L.R.); (I.G.); (V.I.G.)
| | - Ivan Gushchin
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia; (A.Y.); (A.R.); (Y.L.R.); (I.G.); (V.I.G.)
| | - Valentin I. Gordeliy
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia; (A.Y.); (A.R.); (Y.L.R.); (I.G.); (V.I.G.)
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany
- Institut de Biologie Structurale J.-P. Ebel, Université Grenoble Alpes-CEA-CNRS, 38000 Grenoble, France
- JuStruct: Jülich Center for Structural Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Olga S. Sokolova
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.E.B.); (M.G.K.); (O.S.S.); (M.P.K.)
- Faculty of Biology, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Heinz-Jürgen Steinhoff
- Department of Physics, University of Osnabrück, Barbarastrasse 7, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany; (N.V.); (A.Y.M.); (H.-J.S.)
| | - Mikhail P. Kirpichnikov
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.E.B.); (M.G.K.); (O.S.S.); (M.P.K.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin V. Shaitan
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.E.B.); (M.G.K.); (O.S.S.); (M.P.K.)
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17
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Das N, Yadav S, Negi KS, Tariff E, Sen P. Microsecond Active-Site Dynamics Primarily control Proteolytic Activity of Bromelain: A Single Molecular Level Study with a Denaturant, a Stabilizer and a Macromolecular Crowder. BBA ADVANCES 2022; 2:100041. [PMID: 37082607 PMCID: PMC10074955 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadva.2022.100041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins are dynamic entity with various molecular motions at different timescale and length scale. Molecular motions are crucial for the optimal function of an enzyme. It seems intuitive that these motions are crucial for optimal enzyme activity. However, it is not easy to directly correlate an enzyme's dynamics and activity due to biosystems' enormous complexity. amongst many factors, structure and dynamics are two prime aspects that combinedly control the activity. Therefore, having a direct correlation between protein dynamics and activity is not straightforward. Herein, we observed and correlated the structural, functional, and dynamical responses of an industrially crucial proteolytic enzyme, bromelain with three versatile classes of chemicals: GnHCl (protein denaturant), sucrose (protein stabilizer), and Ficoll-70 (macromolecular crowder). The only free cysteine (Cys-25 at the active-site) of bromelain has been tagged with a cysteine-specific dye to unveil the structural and dynamical changes through various spectroscopic studies both at bulk and at the single molecular level. Proteolytic activity is carried out using casein as the substrate. GnHCl and sucrose shows remarkable structure-dynamics-activity relationships. Interestingly, with Ficoll-70, structure and activity are not correlated. However, microsecond dynamics and activity are beautifully correlated in this case also. Overall, our result demonstrates that bromelain dynamics in the microsecond timescale around the active-site is probably a key factor in controlling its proteolytic activity.
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18
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Longatte G, Lisi F, Bakthavathsalam P, Böcking T, Gaus K, Tilley RD, Gooding JJ. Biomolecular Binding under Confinement: Statistical Predictions of Steric Influence in Absence of Long-Distance Interactions. Chemphyschem 2021; 23:e202100765. [PMID: 34856050 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202100765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We propose a theoretical model for the influence of confinement on biomolecular binding at the single-molecule scale at equilibrium, based on the change of the number of microstates (localization and orientation) upon reaction. Three cases are discussed: DNA sequences shorter and longer than the single strain DNA Kuhn length and spherical proteins, confined into a spherical container (liposome, droplet, etc.). The influence of confinement is found to be highly dependent on the molecular structure and significant for large molecules (relative to container size).
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Longatte
- School of Chemistry, Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Fabio Lisi
- School of Chemistry, Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Padmavathy Bakthavathsalam
- School of Chemistry, Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Till Böcking
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Katharina Gaus
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Richard D Tilley
- School of Chemistry, Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - J Justin Gooding
- School of Chemistry, Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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19
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Hawkins OP, Jahromi CPT, Gulamhussein AA, Nestorow S, Bahra T, Shelton C, Owusu-Mensah QK, Mohiddin N, O'Rourke H, Ajmal M, Byrnes K, Khan M, Nahar NN, Lim A, Harris C, Healy H, Hasan SW, Ahmed A, Evans L, Vaitsopoulou A, Akram A, Williams C, Binding J, Thandi RK, Joby A, Guest A, Tariq MZ, Rasool F, Cavanagh L, Kang S, Asparuhov B, Jestin A, Dafforn TR, Simms J, Bill RM, Goddard AD, Rothnie AJ. Membrane protein extraction and purification using partially-esterified SMA polymers. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2021; 1863:183758. [PMID: 34480878 PMCID: PMC8484863 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2021.183758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Styrene maleic acid (SMA) polymers have proven to be very successful for the extraction of membrane proteins, forming SMA lipid particles (SMALPs), which maintain a lipid bilayer around the membrane protein. SMALP-encapsulated membrane proteins can be used for functional and structural studies. The SMALP approach allows retention of important protein-annular lipid interactions, exerts lateral pressure, and offers greater stability than traditional detergent solubilisation. However, SMA polymer does have some limitations, including a sensitivity to divalent cations and low pH, an absorbance spectrum that overlaps with many proteins, and possible restrictions on protein conformational change. Various modified polymers have been developed to try to overcome these challenges, but no clear solution has been found. A series of partially-esterified variants of SMA (SMA 2625, SMA 1440 and SMA 17352) has previously been shown to be highly effective for solubilisation of plant and cyanobacterial thylakoid membranes. It was hypothesised that the partial esterification of maleic acid groups would increase tolerance to divalent cations. Therefore, these partially-esterified polymers were tested for the solubilisation of lipids and membrane proteins, and their tolerance to magnesium ions. It was found that all partially esterified polymers were capable of solubilising and purifying a range of membrane proteins, but the yield of protein was lower with SMA 1440, and the degree of purity was lower for both SMA 1440 and SMA 17352. SMA 2625 performed comparably to SMA 2000. SMA 1440 also showed an increased sensitivity to divalent cations. Thus, it appears the interactions between SMA and divalent cations are more complex than proposed and require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia P Hawkins
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | | | - Aiman A Gulamhussein
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Stephanie Nestorow
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Taranpreet Bahra
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Christian Shelton
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Quincy K Owusu-Mensah
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Naadiya Mohiddin
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Hannah O'Rourke
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Mariam Ajmal
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Kara Byrnes
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Madiha Khan
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Nila N Nahar
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Arcella Lim
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Cassandra Harris
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Hannah Healy
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Syeda W Hasan
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Asma Ahmed
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Lora Evans
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Afroditi Vaitsopoulou
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Aneel Akram
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Chris Williams
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Johanna Binding
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Rumandeep K Thandi
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Aswathy Joby
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Ashley Guest
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Mohammad Z Tariq
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Farah Rasool
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Luke Cavanagh
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Simran Kang
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Biser Asparuhov
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Aleksandr Jestin
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Timothy R Dafforn
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - John Simms
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Roslyn M Bill
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Alan D Goddard
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Alice J Rothnie
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.
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20
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Biophysical characterisation of SMALPs. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2037-2050. [PMID: 34643233 DOI: 10.1042/bst20201088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Membrane proteins such as receptors, ion channels and transport proteins are important drug targets. The structure-based study of membrane proteins is challenging, especially when the target protein contains both soluble and insoluble domains. Most membrane proteins are insoluble in aqueous solvent and embedded in the plasma membrane lipid bilayer, which significantly complicates biophysical studies. Poly(styrene-co-maleic acid) (SMA) and other polymer derivatives are increasingly common solubilisation agents, used to isolate membrane proteins stabilised in their native lipid environment in the total absence of detergent. Since the initial report of SMA-mediated solubilisation, and the formation of SMA lipid particles (SMALPs), this technique can directly isolate therapeutic targets from biological membranes, including G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). SMA now allows biophysical and structural analyses of membrane proteins in solution that was not previously possible. Here, we critically review several existing biophysical techniques compatible with SMALPs, with a focus on hydrodynamic analysis, microcalorimetric analysis and optical spectroscopic techniques.
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21
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The use of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to characterise the molecular mobility of G protein-coupled receptors in membrane microdomains: an update. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1547-1554. [PMID: 34436556 DOI: 10.1042/bst20201001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
It has become increasingly apparent that some G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are not homogeneously expressed within the plasma membrane but may instead be organised within distinct signalling microdomains. These microdomains localise GPCRs in close proximity with other membrane proteins and intracellular signalling partners and could have profound implications for the spatial and temporal control of downstream signalling. In order to probe the molecular mechanisms that govern GPCR pharmacology within these domains, fluorescence techniques with effective single receptor sensitivity are required. Of these, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a technique that meets this sensitivity threshold. This short review will provide an update of the recent uses of FCS based techniques in conjunction with GPCR subtype selective fluorescent ligands to characterise dynamic ligand-receptor interactions in whole cells and using purified GPCRs.
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22
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Grime RL, Logan RT, Nestorow SA, Sridhar P, Edwards PC, Tate CG, Klumperman B, Dafforn TR, Poyner DR, Reeves PJ, Wheatley M. Differences in SMA-like polymer architecture dictate the conformational changes exhibited by the membrane protein rhodopsin encapsulated in lipid nano-particles. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:13519-13528. [PMID: 34477756 PMCID: PMC8359648 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr02419a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Membrane proteins are of fundamental importance to cellular processes and nano-encapsulation strategies that preserve their native lipid bilayer environment are particularly attractive for studying and exploiting these proteins. Poly(styrene-co-maleic acid) (SMA) and related polymers poly(styrene-co-(N-(3-N',N'-dimethylaminopropyl)maleimide)) (SMI) and poly(diisobutylene-alt-maleic acid) (DIBMA) have revolutionised the study of membrane proteins by spontaneously solubilising membrane proteins direct from cell membranes within nanoscale discs of native bilayer called SMA lipid particles (SMALPs), SMILPs and DIBMALPs respectively. This systematic study shows for the first time, that conformational changes of the encapsulated protein are dictated by the solubilising polymer. The photoactivation pathway of rhodopsin (Rho), a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), comprises structurally-defined intermediates with characteristic absorbance spectra that revealed conformational restrictions with styrene-containing SMA and SMI, so that photoactivation proceeded only as far as metarhodopsin-I, absorbing at 478 nm, in a SMALP or SMILP. In contrast, full attainment of metarhodopsin-II, absorbing at 382 nm, was observed in a DIBMALP. Consequently, different intermediate states of Rho could be generated readily by simply employing different SMA-like polymers. Dynamic light-scattering and analytical ultracentrifugation revealed differences in size and thermostability between SMALP, SMILP and DIBMALP. Moreover, encapsulated Rho exhibited different stability in a SMALP, SMILP or DIBMALP. Overall, we establish that SMA, SMI and DIBMA constitute a 'toolkit' of solubilising polymers, so that selection of the appropriate solubilising polymer provides a spectrum of useful attributes for studying membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael L Grime
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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23
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Goulding J, Kondrashov A, Mistry SJ, Melarangi T, Vo NTN, Hoang DM, White CW, Denning C, Briddon SJ, Hill SJ. The use of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to monitor cell surface β2-adrenoceptors at low expression levels in human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21398. [PMID: 33710675 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002268r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The importance of cell phenotype in determining the molecular mechanisms underlying β2 -adrenoceptor (β2AR) function has been noted previously when comparing responses in primary cells and recombinant model cell lines. Here, we have generated haplotype-specific SNAP-tagged β2AR human embryonic stem (ES) cell lines and applied fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to study cell surface receptors in progenitor cells and in differentiated fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes. FCS was able to quantify SNAP-tagged β2AR number and diffusion in both ES-derived cardiomyocytes and CRISPR/Cas9 genome-edited HEK293T cells, where the expression level was too low to detect using standard confocal microscopy. These studies demonstrate the power of FCS in investigating cell surface β2ARs at the very low expression levels often seen in endogenously expressing cells. Furthermore, the use of ES cell technology in combination with FCS allowed us to demonstrate that cell surface β2ARs internalize in response to formoterol-stimulation in ES progenitor cells but not following their differentiation into ES-derived fibroblasts. This indicates that the process of agonist-induced receptor internalization is strongly influenced by cell phenotype and this may have important implications for drug treatment with long-acting β2AR agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joëlle Goulding
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alexander Kondrashov
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Sarah J Mistry
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Tony Melarangi
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nguyen T N Vo
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Duc M Hoang
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK.,Department of Cellular Manufacturing, Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Carl W White
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and Centre for Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chris Denning
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Stephen J Briddon
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Stephen J Hill
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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24
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Overduin M, Trieber C, Prosser RS, Picard LP, Sheff JG. Structures and Dynamics of Native-State Transmembrane Protein Targets and Bound Lipids. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:451. [PMID: 34204456 PMCID: PMC8235241 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11060451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Membrane proteins work within asymmetric bilayers of lipid molecules that are critical for their biological structures, dynamics and interactions. These properties are lost when detergents dislodge lipids, ligands and subunits, but are maintained in native nanodiscs formed using styrene maleic acid (SMA) and diisobutylene maleic acid (DIBMA) copolymers. These amphipathic polymers allow extraction of multicomponent complexes of post-translationally modified membrane-bound proteins directly from organ homogenates or membranes from diverse types of cells and organelles. Here, we review the structures and mechanisms of transmembrane targets and their interactions with lipids including phosphoinositides (PIs), as resolved using nanodisc systems and methods including cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). We focus on therapeutic targets including several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), as well as ion channels and transporters that are driving the development of next-generation native nanodiscs. The design of new synthetic polymers and complementary biophysical tools bodes well for the future of drug discovery and structural biology of native membrane:protein assemblies (memteins).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Overduin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada;
| | - Catharine Trieber
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada;
| | - R. Scott Prosser
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, UTM, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; (R.S.P.); (L.-P.P.)
| | - Louis-Philippe Picard
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, UTM, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; (R.S.P.); (L.-P.P.)
| | - Joey G. Sheff
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada;
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25
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Biological insights from SMA-extracted proteins. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1349-1359. [PMID: 34110372 PMCID: PMC8286838 DOI: 10.1042/bst20201067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In the twelve years since styrene maleic acid (SMA) was first used to extract and purify a membrane protein within a native lipid bilayer, this technological breakthrough has provided insight into the structural and functional details of protein–lipid interactions. Most recently, advances in cryo-EM have demonstrated that SMA-extracted membrane proteins are a rich-source of structural data. For example, it has been possible to resolve the details of annular lipids and protein–protein interactions within complexes, the nature of lipids within central cavities and binding pockets, regions involved in stabilising multimers, details of terminal residues that would otherwise remain unresolved and the identification of physiologically relevant states. Functionally, SMA extraction has allowed the analysis of membrane proteins that are unstable in detergents, the characterization of an ultrafast component in the kinetics of electron transfer that was not possible in detergent-solubilised samples and quantitative, real-time measurement of binding assays with low concentrations of purified protein. While the use of SMA comes with limitations such as its sensitivity to low pH and divalent cations, its major advantage is maintenance of a protein's lipid bilayer. This has enabled researchers to view and assay proteins in an environment close to their native ones, leading to new structural and mechanistic insights.
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26
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Deng L, Huang X, Dong C, Ren J. Simultaneously monitoring endogenous MAPK members in single living cells by multi-channel fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Analyst 2021; 146:2581-2590. [PMID: 33899064 DOI: 10.1039/d1an00090j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is a major module for cellular signal transduction. The dysregulation of the MAPK pathway has been involved in the pathogenesis of multiple diseases ranging from cancers to chronic inflammations. So far, we have not fully understood the influences of external factors and signaling networks on the MAPK pathway due to the lack of in situ methods for simultaneous detection of multiple kinases in the pathway in living cells. Herein, we present a new strategy for in situ and simultaneously monitoring MAPK pathway kinases in single living cells combining multi-channel fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) with affinity fluorescent probes. We chose rapidly growing fibrosarcoma kinase (RAF), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) as representative members in the MAPK pathway. We designed and synthesized three fluorescent affinity probes and experimental results demonstrated that the three probes specifically targeted endogenous BRAF, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 in living cells. Based on the multi-channel FCS system, we studied the influences of biological substances, drugs and oxidative stress on the activities of endogenous MAPK kinases and the cross-talk between the MAPK and PI3K-mTOR pathways. We have found that serum, sorafenib, and hydrogen peroxide can regulate multiple MAPK kinases and the effects of external stimuli can transmit to the MAPK pathway; furthermore, we have observed that the MAPK pathway can be activated by modulating the PI3K-mTOR pathway. Our results illustrated the complexity of a cellular signal network and the necessity of in situ and simultaneous determination of biomolecules in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Deng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiangyi Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chaoqing Dong
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jicun Ren
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China.
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27
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Brown CJ, Trieber C, Overduin M. Structural biology of endogenous membrane protein assemblies in native nanodiscs. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2021; 69:70-77. [PMID: 33915422 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The advent of amphiphilic copolymers enables integral membrane proteins to be solubilized into stable 10-30 nm native nanodiscs to resolve their multisubunit structures, post-translational modifications, endogenous lipid bilayers, and small molecule ligands. This breakthrough has positioned biological membrane:protein assemblies (memteins) as fundamental functional units of cellular membranes. Herein, we review copolymer design strategies and methods for the characterization of transmembrane proteins within native nanodiscs by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), transmission electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction, surface plasmon resonance, and mass spectrometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanelle J Brown
- Department of Chemistry and Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, USA
| | - Catharine Trieber
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Michael Overduin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2H7, Canada.
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28
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Laasfeld T, Ehrminger R, Tahk MJ, Veiksina S, Kõlvart KR, Min M, Kopanchuk S, Rinken A. Budded baculoviruses as a receptor display system to quantify ligand binding with TIRF microscopy. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:2436-2447. [PMID: 33464268 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr06737g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Studying mechanisms of receptor-ligand interactions has remained challenging due to several limitations of different measurement methods. Here we present a total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy-based method that maintains the right balance between retaining the receptors in the natural lipid environment, sufficient throughput for ligand screening, high sensitivity, and offering more detailed view into the ligand-binding process. The novel method combines G protein-coupled receptor display in budded baculovirus particles and the immobilization of the particles to a functionalized coverslip. We adapted and validated the functionalized coverslip preparation process to achieve selective immobilization of budded baculovirus particles. The selectivity of budded baculovirus immobilization was validated with budded baculovirus particles displaying either Frizzled 6 receptors labeled with mCherry or neuropeptide Y Y1 receptors. To scale the system for ligand binding assays, we developed both open-source multiwell systems and image analysis software SPOTNIC for flexible assay design. The neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor was used for further receptor-ligand binding studies with high-affinity TAMRA labeled fluorescent ligand UR-MC026. The affinities of the fluorescent ligand and four unlabeled ligands (BIBO3304, UR-MK299, PYY, pNPY) were obtained with the developed method and followed a similar trend with both the parallel measurements with fluorescence anisotropy method and the data published earlier. The novel method could be extended for various advanced assays utilizing multidimensional detection modes, integrating super-resolution methods for single molecule detection and microfluidic devices for kinetic measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tõnis Laasfeld
- University of Tartu, Institute of Chemistry, Ravila 14a, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Robin Ehrminger
- University of Tartu, Institute of Chemistry, Ravila 14a, 50411, Tartu, Estonia. and Tallinn University of Technology, Thomas Johann Seebeck Department of Electronics, Ehitajate Tee 5, 19086, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Maris-Johanna Tahk
- University of Tartu, Institute of Chemistry, Ravila 14a, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Santa Veiksina
- University of Tartu, Institute of Chemistry, Ravila 14a, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Karl Rene Kõlvart
- University of Tartu, Institute of Chemistry, Ravila 14a, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Mart Min
- Tallinn University of Technology, Thomas Johann Seebeck Department of Electronics, Ehitajate Tee 5, 19086, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Sergei Kopanchuk
- University of Tartu, Institute of Chemistry, Ravila 14a, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Ago Rinken
- University of Tartu, Institute of Chemistry, Ravila 14a, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
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29
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BRET- and fluorescence anisotropy-based assays for real-time monitoring of ligand binding to M 2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1868:118930. [PMID: 33347921 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BRET and fluorescence anisotropy (FA) are two fluorescence-based techniques used for the characterization of ligand binding to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and both allow monitoring of ligand binding in real time. In this study, we present the first direct comparison of BRET-based and FA-based binding assays using the human M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M2R) and two TAMRA (5-carboxytetramethylrhodamine)-labeled fluorescent ligands as a model system. The determined fluorescent ligand affinities from both assays were in good agreement with results obtained from radioligand competition binding experiments. The assays yielded real-time kinetic binding data revealing differences in the mechanism of binding for the investigated fluorescent probes. Furthermore, the investigation of various unlabeled M2R ligands yielded pharmacological profiles in accordance with earlier reported data. Taken together, this study showed that BRET- and FA-based binding assays represent valuable alternatives to radioactivity-based methods for screening purposes and for a precise characterization of binding kinetics supporting the exploration of binding mechanisms.
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30
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Wang X, van Westen GJP, Heitman LH, IJzerman AP. G protein-coupled receptors expressed and studied in yeast. The adenosine receptor as a prime example. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 187:114370. [PMID: 33338473 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest class of membrane proteins with around 800 members in the human genome/proteome. Extracellular signals such as hormones and neurotransmitters regulate various biological processes via GPCRs, with GPCRs being the bodily target of 30-40% of current drugs on the market. Complete identification and understanding of GPCR functionality will provide opportunities for novel drug discovery. Yeast expresses three different endogenous GPCRs regulating pheromone and sugar sensing, with the pheromone pathway offering perspectives for the characterization of heterologous GPCR signaling. Moreover, yeast offers a ''null" background for studies on mammalian GPCRs, including GPCR activation and signaling, ligand identification, and characterization of disease-related mutations. This review focuses on modifications of the yeast pheromone signaling pathway for functional GPCR studies, and on opportunities and usage of the yeast system as a platform for human GPCR studies. Finally, this review discusses in some further detail studies of adenosine receptors heterologously expressed in yeast, and what Geoff Burnstock thought of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Wang
- Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard J P van Westen
- Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Laura H Heitman
- Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan P IJzerman
- Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
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31
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Lavington S, Watts A. Lipid nanoparticle technologies for the study of G protein-coupled receptors in lipid environments. Biophys Rev 2020; 12:10.1007/s12551-020-00775-5. [PMID: 33215301 PMCID: PMC7755959 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-020-00775-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large family of integral membrane proteins which conduct a wide range of biological roles and represent significant drug targets. Most biophysical and structural studies of GPCRs have been conducted on detergent-solubilised receptors, and it is clear that detergents can have detrimental effects on GPCR function. Simultaneously, there is increasing appreciation of roles for specific lipids in modulation of GPCR function. Lipid nanoparticles such as nanodiscs and styrene maleic acid lipid particles (SMALPs) offer opportunities to study integral membrane proteins in lipid environments, in a form that is soluble and amenable to structural and biophysical experiments. Here, we review the application of lipid nanoparticle technologies to the study of GPCRs, assessing the relative merits and limitations of each system. We highlight how these technologies can provide superior platforms to detergents for structural and biophysical studies of GPCRs and inform on roles for protein-lipid interactions in GPCR function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Lavington
- Biochemistry Department, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Anthony Watts
- Biochemistry Department, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
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